Lazarus: A Thriller Lost in Its Own Resurrection
Harlan Coben’s Lazarus arrives on streaming platforms promising a twisty mystery, but ultimately delivers a narrative weighed down by contrivances and pacing issues. The series centers around Lazarus “Laz” Stern, a former forensic psychiatrist pulled back into the world of trauma when a woman appears claiming to be haunted by the ghosts of her past.This encounter sets off a chain of events that forces Laz to confront his own family history and the unsettling possibility of supernatural intervention.
However, the core premise quickly unravels into a series of improbable scenarios. The initial intrigue stems from a chilling encounter: a woman, convinced she’s being stalked and harboring murderous thoughts about her partner, confides in Laz. She vehemently insists he isn’t dr. Jonathan, his father, and dismisses his attempts to clarify, unloading a disturbing account of her fears.
Then comes the shock. investigating further, Laz discovers notes indicating his father last treated this woman in 1999 – the same year she was murdered. This revelation promptly throws the entire situation into question: how could he have spoken to her last night?
This is where Lazarus leans heavily into the tropes of the supernatural thriller. The plot relies on dei ex machina moments – convenient, seemingly impractical interventions – and repetitive plot points. You’ll find characters constantly reiterating facts already revealed, stretching a six-episode arc to its limit.
Here’s a breakdown of the key issues:
* Pacing Problems: The series suffers from meaningful pacing issues, revisiting the same ground repeatedly.
* Lack of Tension: the reliance on ghostly visions diminishes suspense. If a spirit can simply reveal clues, the stakes feel considerably lower.
* Unrealistic Scenarios: Several plot points strain credibility. consider a psychiatrist casually demolishing a wall in an attic with an axe, or a police inquiry overlooking crucial evidence like a lack of a weapon matching a supposed suicide.
* Repetitive Dialog: Characters frequently explain events you’ve just witnessed, hindering the narrative flow.
The show attempts to blend psychological thriller elements with the supernatural, but the execution feels uneven.It asks you to accept a world where ghosts offer guidance, yet concurrently presents a grounded investigation with procedural elements. This tonal clash creates a sense of disconnect.
Moreover, the series raises questions about the ethics of revisiting past trauma. While Laz’s expertise as a forensic psychiatrist is central to the plot, the way he navigates sensitive cases feels questionable at times. You might find yourself wondering about professional boundaries and the potential for re-traumatization.
ultimately, Lazarus feels like a missed chance. The initial mystery is compelling,but the series becomes bogged down in its own complexities. The biblical Lazarus was famously resurrected; perhaps this iteration should have remained at rest.
Lazarus is currently available on streaming platforms.
Worth a look